Indications: mainly used for diagnostic purposes, and occasionally as a definitive treatment if a skin lesion is very small.
Technique: as the punch is taken, stretching the skin perpendicular to the tension lines is more likely to leave an elliptical-like wound, which is then easier to suture. As the lesion is removed it must be handled very gently using a skin hook or needle so as not to crush the tissue, as this would make histological interpretation difficult. As with all histology samples, the operator and assistant must both agree that the sample is in the histology pot, and this should be recorded.
For detailed information refer to the PCDS surgical guidelines.
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